Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

Lip, Ian, and Mandy crossed a slope blocked by a wire fence and stepped onto a narrow path.

"When did it happen?" Mandy asked abruptly.

"I don't know, maybe I was born gay. Or maybe it started when I listened to Justin Timberlake."

"No, it must've been Jesse Shields!"

Lip listened as Mandy and Ian bantered, unable to get a word in. He stayed to the side, observing quietly.

"Stop kidding—he's definitely gay!"

"No, he's not."

"Come on, he is."

"Are you really not just talking nonsense?"

"About Jesse Shields being gay?"

"No, about you being gay!"

"Look at how people treat gays around here. Why would I make that up?"

"Listen, Mandy. Only you and Lip know about this right now, so..."

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone else."

"Triple swear?"

"I just thought you might be lying to get my brother to back off. Maybe... I don't know... because you think I'm ugly or something."

"Mandy, you're beautiful. This has nothing to do with your appearance. I'm just not interested in women."

Mandy stared at Ian, unconvinced.

With no other choice, Ian stepped closer, placed his hand on Mandy's chest, and guided her hand to feel the lack of reaction from little Ian.

"See? No response."

Slowly, a smile crept onto Mandy's face.

The three of them walked to an open space with two swings, clearly a children's play area.

Mandy and Ian each took a swing while Lip walked off to smoke.

He was feeling frustrated, unsure of how to catch Mandy's attention or spark her interest in him.

Lip debated whether he should pursue Mandy at all.

After all, everyone already knew he had a beautiful girlfriend. If he flirted with Mandy, Mickey might kill him.

"Ian, I can pretend to be your girlfriend at school or wherever. No one will bother you then," Mandy offered.

"Mandy, would you really do that for me?"

"Of course. That way, annoying people won't bother me either. And hey, I've never called anyone 'boyfriend' before." Mandy grinned. "It doesn't mean you have to be a real boyfriend. Just don't treat me like crap."

She smiled, taking Ian's hand.

Ian smiled back.

"Mandy, thank you. I'd love to be a good friend or even a sister to you. But if you really need a fake boyfriend, Lip's the better choice."

Lip, smoking nearby, was deeply touched.

"Man, Ian really has my back. I'm adding an extra drumstick to his dinner tonight!"

Lip stayed put, letting the moment play out.

"Ian, why?" Mandy asked, puzzled.

"My brother's handsome, smart, gets great grades, and he's a badass. Did you hear about what happened to Peter at the school gate the other day?"

"You mean that kid who looked like Bruce Lee? That wasn't Lip, was it?"

"Uh-huh." Ian grinned.

"Oh, wow! I saw that video and thought that guy was so cool. My best friend and I talked about it for days. I didn't know it was Lip."

Mandy glanced at Lip smoking in the sunlight and suddenly felt he was really handsome.

"But... would he agree? I mean, I'm the infamous bad girl, after all," Mandy said, feeling a twinge of self-doubt.

"Mandy, don't put yourself down. Be confident! How will you know unless you try?" Ian encouraged her. "Plus, as your fake boyfriend, Lip can help you with your studies and homework. It's a win-win!"

"Got it, Ian. Thanks!"

Gathering her courage, Mandy stood and walked toward Lip.

"Hi, how was your chat?" Lip asked, quickly stubbing out his cigarette with a smile.

"Ian and I had a great chat, but..."

"But what? Is there a problem?" Lip pretended not to know.

"Uh... Lip, would you... be my boyfriend?"

"Huh?" Lip feigned surprise. "Why?"

"Because you're handsome, smart, and great at fighting!" Mandy said, her cheeks turning red.

"Mandy, I need to tell you something first."

"What?"

"I already have a girlfriend."

"Oh..." Mandy's face fell, but after a moment, she straightened up. "I don't mind. I'm willing to share you with your girlfriend!"

"Wait, what?"

"Johnson, the school bully, has seven girlfriends. They even take turns—one for each day of the week! I'm not that old-fashioned." Mandy grinned. "Besides, it's normal for girls to compete for a guy as outstanding as you."

Lip was caught off guard by Mandy's boldness.

Just moments ago, he'd been agonizing over how to approach her. Now she was practically chasing after him!

Mandy's gaze dimmed as she misinterpreted his silence.

"Forget it if you don't want to," Mandy said, turning to leave.

Lip grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.

"Mandy, think this through," he said, his eyes soft yet intense.

"I've thought about it," Mandy replied, her voice trembling with excitement. Her eyes were red, on the verge of tears.

"What's wrong?"

"I thought you found me ugly and didn't want to be my boyfriend," Mandy said, looking hurt.

"You're beautiful and kind, Mandy. I'd have to be crazy to reject you. If I didn't want you, I'd be throwing away a treasure."

"Really? You're not just saying that?"

"Absolutely. I swear."

"Thank you, Lip! You've made me so happy!"

Mandy hugged Lip tightly.

Lip gently stroked her back, comforting her.

"Clap, clap, clap!" Ian's applause broke the moment.

"Congrats, everyone's happy!" Ian said with a grin.

Lip patted Ian on the shoulder, silently thanking him.

"Mandy," Ian began, "you should think about changing your look. The punk-bad-girl vibe doesn't really suit you."

"Lip, what do you think?" Mandy asked.

Lip nodded. "Mandy, how about I help you transform this afternoon?"

"Okay!" Mandy's smile was radiant.

After dropping Mandy off at her best friend's house, Lip and Ian returned home. They hadn't even had breakfast yet.